Smith-Shawver has another impressive rehab outing

Unless Early is damaged goods — and he obviously currently is on the IL with elbow inflammation — this seems like a pretty weak return for the Red Sox. Mead has broken out nicely with a .256/.351/.505 line this year, but not with the kind of exit velocity numbers that suggest he’s going to be an above average regular going forward, especially given his lack of defensive value. The Red Sox figure to use him a lot at DH for now and then mix him at third and first if Roman Anthony gets healthy and the outfield gets overcrowded again. Masataka Yoshida will lose at-bats in Boston, and José Tena and Jorbit Vivas figure to gain them in Washington.

Montgomery finished his at-bat in the ninth despite again getting himself in the same area of the shin that cost him Tuesday’s game. “It was just above where it got him the other day, so pretty sore,” manager Will Venable said. “Obviously was able to finish that at-bat. He’ll get treatment and see where we’re at tomorrow.”

Gómez tossed a perfect ninth inning, recording a strikeout and his 13th save of the season in the process. He lowered his ERA to 3.40. Gómez remains perfect in save opportunities this year and has helped stabilize the ninth inning for Minnesota.

Barnett gave up four hits, walked one and struck out two. The 25-year-old had been starting exclusively at Triple-A, but the Athletics opted to have him follow an opener against the Twins on Saturday. Barnett came in during the third inning. He was able to hold the Twins off the scoreboard until the sixth inning when a two-out two-run Alan Roden single accounted for the only runs in the game. Barnett is lined up to face the Red Sox at home next Thursday.

Rojas gave up one hit, walked one and struck out five. Mike Parades was scratched with a left oblique strain that he suffered while warming up in the bullpen. Rojas stepped in and provided four scoreless innings in spot duty. It was his fourth start and 10th appearance overall this season. Rojas has a 2.81 ERA as a swingman for the Twins.

Henderson’s home run was his 18th of the season. He hit a solo shot of Bryce Elder in the fifth inning. Henderson has already eclipsed his home run total from last year of 17. His .184 ISO this year is still a far cry from his .248 ISO when he hit 37 home run in 2024. With only eight steals in 104 games so far, Henderson is on pace to fall short of 20 stolen bases, which is a mark he’d hit in each of the last two years. He’s hitting .223 with a .701 OPS and 45 RBI.

Langford had X-rays, which were negative. He was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs scored before departing Saturday.

Albies’ home run was his 17th of the season. He hit a game-tying solo home run in the eighth inning off Rico Garcia. The home run gave the Braves life momentarily before the Orioles had a walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth inning. Albies has hit two home runs in his last three games. He’s hitting .264 with a .755 OPS and 57 RBI.

He was 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored before departing. The Cardinals are facing a lefty in Andrew Abbott on Sunday, so Nootbaar might get a day off, at least at the start.